Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma dismissed the effectiveness of simple infrastructure on Monday. He stated that physical gates at entry points like Umling cannot curb influx without a robust legal framework. The state must back its registration efforts with clear enforcement powers.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira previously proposed a virtual Inner Line Permit system. This plan requires outsiders to verify their background, travel intentions, and documentation at registration centres. The rollout starts at Umling in Ri-Bhoi district, with further sites planned for the Garo Hills. The government aims to track visitor data and improve safety.
Sangma acknowledged the plan but shifted focus to the mechanics of the law. "Getting an entry-exit point is not an issue. We can set it up today or tomorrow. The challenge is to have a legal mechanism that allows proper implementation and enforcement of the checking process," Sangma told reporters.
The Khasi Students Union (KSU) recently opposed a planned food court at the Umling site. They issued a stop-work notice to force the facility to operate only as a surveillance and facilitation center. The state currently views the proposed amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) as the primary tool to provide the needed authority.
The government spent Rs 2.7 crore on the prefab Umling structure. Opened in 2020, it previously served as a COVID-19 testing hub for travelers arriving through Jorabat and Byrnihat before legal issues sidelined it. Officials now hope the MRSSA amendment clears the path for future operations.
Comments